Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII Review

Rolls-Royce updates their flagship Phantom for a new generation

Rolls-Royce has redesigned its flagship Phantom. Now in its eighth design iteration, the nameplate, which debuted in 1925, keeps its brawny yet dynamic looks and ultra-luxury appointments. The vehicle is currently in production at the company’s Goodwood, West Sussex, England plant with orders being fulfilled just a few months after your order is placed.

Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII exterior

The exterior of the Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII projects strength and luxury. There are definite changes from the Phantom VII including a bolder grille and a more masculine stance. The car’s design lines are sharp and square, harkening back to a bygone era while still managing to pull off a modern aesthetic.

Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII performance

The Phantom VIII gets its power from the 6.75-litre V12 engine under its bonnet. With or without the extended wheelbase, the car achieves 564 horsepower and 664 lb.-ft. of torque. It gets from zero to 60 mph in just over 5 seconds. Acceleration is effortless though a tad unsatisfying due to light pedal feel.

Despite its 5,490-pound weight, the Phantom VIII is impressively nimble. Steering is properly weighted, and the large wheel size works well to maneuver the car on city streets, highways, and down tight driveways. Braking is appropriately strong.

This Phantom is 30-percent more rigid than its predecessor and comes equipped with the company’s next-gen self-levelling air suspension. At speeds under 100 km/hr, a stereo camera system that is integrated in the windscreen views the road ahead, adjusting the Phantom’s suspension proactively. This combination equates to a smooth ride for all inside the vehicle, whether on a bumpy park lane or sitting in stop and go traffic.

Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII interior

Great care was taken to make the Phantom VIII the “most silent motor car in the world.” The car has 130 kg of sound insulation from a unique 6mm two-layer glaze used all around the car, large aluminum joints, and additional high absorption layers resulting in a 10 percent reduction in cabin noise compared to Phantom VII.

As good as the Phantom VIII looks on the outside, it is the old fashioned yet modern surrounds of the interior that will turn your head. Filled with fine leathers, real woods, polished metals, and rich carpeting, the cabin exudes the same level of bespoke elegance you’ll find at luxury resorts throughout the world. The vehicle features design that is a version of luxury rarely found today while maintaining one foot firmly on the path to a wholly modern experience. Nothing feels stodgy.

One example of that is the now-standard Starlight Headliner, which features individually placed mini LED bulbs in the headliner that light up in configurations to mimic the night sky.

Seating is spacious and supportive. The ability of a back-seat passenger to raise and lower the an in-floor foot rest helps height challenged riders keep comfortable.

Rolls-Royce uses the BMW infotainment system that has been customized for the car. It is easy to navigate and quick to respond. Rear seat passengers are able to use a dial in the fixed center console to choose their own media, climate, and massaging seat settings among others.

Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII cargo

Should your valet need to place your luggage in the back of the Phantom, they’ll have plenty of space. Its 19-cu.-ft. of space rival the more pedestrian Subaru Crosstrek. The cabin of the Phantom is spacious, especially if you have the extended wheelbase model, and there’s plenty of room for purse, bag, and small luggage storage while you’re riding along.

Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII safety

The new Phantom moves the ball when it comes to Rolls-Royce safety technology offerings. Some of the safety systems in the car include: Alertness Assistant, a 4-camera system with Panoramic View, all-round visibility including helicopter view, Night Vision and Vision Assist, Active Cruise Control, collision warning, pedestrian warning, cross-traffic warning, lane departure and lane change warning.

Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII pricing

The Rolls-Royce Phantom starts at $450,000 but hardly anyone will pay that for the vehicle. The company excels at customizing their products and offering completely bespoke vehicles that come in at a cost tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars higher than the base price.

Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII final thoughts

The Rolls-Royce Phantom is as luxurious as it gets. It ticks all the right boxes as a next-generation move in logical succession from the development and design evolution that brought Dawn to market. If you can afford a Phantom VIII, get a Phantom VIII. You won’t be disappointed.

For this review, I drove the Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII Extended Wheelbase. It has a starting price of $530,000. The car had a number of options outfitted to the vehicle including the Metropolitain gallery, comfort entry system, front and back massaging seats, theatre configuration and picnic tables (veneer), rear compartment curtain, illuminated name plates, satin silver bonnet, individual seat configuration, Ghost bespoke clock, fixed rear center console, and a commissioned collection umbrella. Those options brought the price up to $643,360.